SOLIGORSK, 22 September (BelTA) – Farmers and scientists are called upon to unite to develop effective livestock breeding technology, said Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during the plenary session of the national seminar-conference organized on 22 September to discuss the development of the country’s cattle industry.
Returning to the issue of livestock, Alexander Lukashenko declared that there was a problem with the reproduction of herds in the country. “Good productivity must be ensured, among other things, by well-managed selection and breeding work. Scientists estimate that efficient reproduction corresponds to the birth of 95 calves per 100 cows. In 1990, this figure rose to 90 calves. However, in recent years we have only had 72 to 75 calves per 100 cows. Plus, we can’t even keep all the calves we have. This means that the number of cattle is decreasing,” the president stressed.
“I don’t know what our governors are missing. Are these reproductive technologies? The country has an entire network of livestock services under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. I think the new minister should cooperate with the Academy of Sciences, develop and implement effective and affordable technology. The task is to increase the breeding stock. It is unacceptable that the farms built or rebuilt still lack livestock. Some of them have already been in this state for more than five years,” declared the head of state. “We have built complexes and we have been unable to supply livestock there for five years. How is it possible?”
Alexander Lukashenko also emphasized that no animal can show good productivity and genetics without high-quality fodder, even if all the necessary conditions are met. “Last year we failed in fodder supply. This year the situation is even worse,” he said.
As of September 1, around 7 million tonnes of feed units had been purchased, less than 90% of last year’s volumes. The per capita feed supply amounted to just over 16 cents compared to nearly 19 cents last year. The most affected regions are Vitebsk, Gomel and Mogilev regions.
” Winter is coming. In October, it is very unlikely that we will have the same favorable weather conditions as in September this year. The current pace of fodder procurement will lead to a complete shortage of fodder on some farms,” the President said. “A complete and balanced diet plays a central role in profitable production. Scientists, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, have developed more than 50 regulations for all kinds of livestock products. But for some reason we have no regulations, no forages, no balanced diets used in practice. As a result, we are missing out on benefits in the meat and dairy sector. »
The head of state wants each Belarusian region to adhere to the developed cultivation system and respect the conditions and technologies for harvesting fodder. “Only systematic work and joint efforts can guarantee their high nutritional value,” he said. “Let everyone, from the agronomist to the responsible official, do their best to guarantee a one and a half year’s supply of fodder for each farm. All farms should benefit from a complete and balanced diet with sufficient nutritional supplements. We have everything for this. We have built the most advanced National Biotechnology Corporation (BNBC) to produce the best amino acids and fodder. Only four states can boast such a complex. So use their products. You just need to balance your diet. Concentrates cannot be dispensed on sight. Otherwise, we will face livestock losses, reduced productivity and overuse of expensive premixes.
The president’s strict request is to bring order to the industry. “If you lack manpower, involve students from agricultural universities, specialized classes. It is a good practice and at the same time a good example of what needs to be improved in our country,” he added.
